Australia Post-study work - Post-study work visa
66 questions
Expert Answers
Will my PSW visa and PR pathway differ if I study in Sydney instead of Melbourne?
→No, visa and PR rules are set at the national level, so they do not change based on whether you study in Sydney or Melbourne. Only the fit between the local job market and your field changes. State nomination lists are published separately by New South Wales and Victoria.
What work rights and stay duration will I get on the Australian Subclass 485 visa in 2026?
→The Subclass 485 Post-Higher Education visa gives full work rights, so you can work full-time in any occupation for any employer in Australia. Stays are typically 2 years for bachelor's graduates and 3 for research master's, PhD and, under AI-ECTA, Indian coursework master's graduates. No sponsorship is required.
Could I extend my Post-Higher Education Work visa in Australia?
→No, the Post-Higher Education Work visa cannot be extended. You may be eligible for the Second Post-Higher Education Work stream instead, which gives a further 1 to 2 years of work rights, depending on the regional location, and typically costs AUD 2,265.
Am I within the age limit for the Australian 485 visa after a master's degree?
→Most master's graduates must generally be under 35 to apply for the Australian 485 visa. You should count your course finish date before choosing a two-year degree, because your age at application is what matters. Check the official Home Affairs page for the latest rule.
How long can I stay and work after graduation in Ireland, the Netherlands, Australia or New Zealand?
→Post-study work durations vary: up to 24 months for master's graduates in Ireland, a 12-month Orientation Year in the Netherlands, 2 to 4 years in Australia depending on qualification, and up to 3 years in New Zealand for a master's or PhD.
What steps do I follow to apply for the Subclass 485 post-study work visa in Australia?
→Applying for the Subclass 485 visa follows seven steps: confirm your eligibility, gather documents, create an ImmiAccount, submit the online application, pay the fee, complete health checks and character checks (an AFP police check is generally required for applicants over 16), then track your ImmiAccount for the decision.
Which visas can I use to stay and work in Australia after my MBA, and which ones lead to PR?
→After an Australian MBA you can look at the Subclass 485 post-study work visa, the Subclass 482 Skills in Demand visa, and permanent options: Subclass 186 employer nomination, 189 skilled independent and 190 state nominated. The 186, 189 and 190 are permanent residency routes, while 485 and 482 are temporary.
Which visa will I need to work in Australia after completing my Civil Engineering degree, and how long can I stay?
→After your Civil Engineering degree, you will need the subclass 485 visa, known as the Temporary Graduate Visa, to stay back and work in Australia. It lets you live and work in the country for 2 to 4 years, and applying for it costs A$1,680.
All Questions (66)
What countries offer strong post-study work rights and high demand for business analytics professionals, with more straightforward or longer work visa options than the US?
→What are the top countries for studying abroad besides Germany, and what are the main benefits of choosing each one?
→What are the top countries for studying abroad, particularly for master's programs, considering their strong education systems, post-study work visa options, and welcoming environments for international students?
→What are the top countries for pursuing a PhD in Electrical Engineering, considering strong funding, research opportunities, and post-study work pathways?
→What are the top countries for studying AI and computer science, offering strong post-study work options for my background?
→What are some top countries for a Computer Science master's, considering post-study work options and tuition costs?
→What factors should I consider before finalizing a career course in tech or agriculture in Australia or New Zealand, regarding curriculum relevance, job market, post-study work visa, cost, cultural adjustment, and access to housing and healthcare?
→What are the top countries for pursuing a Master's degree in Hospital and Healthcare Management, considering specialized programs, practical exposure, and post-study work visa options?
→What are the top countries for AI research growth, focusing on universities with strong research infrastructure and favorable post-study work options, and which Master's programs should I consider to emphasize machine learning, deep learning, and data mining with research project opportunities?
→What are the top countries for postgraduate diploma studies after Canada, and what are the post-study work visa durations for each?
→What are the top countries for a Master's in Finance that offer strong job prospects, and what are the post-study work visa options in each?
→What other countries besides Ireland and Germany would you recommend for my master's studies, considering quality education, post-study work opportunities, and flexible English requirements?
→What are the top countries for a master's in Civil Engineering or Construction Management, excluding Ireland, and what are the typical tuition fees, post-study work visa durations, and required English proficiency tests for each?
→What are the top countries similar to New Zealand for pursuing a business analytics degree, and what are their unique advantages in terms of post-study work options and education quality?
→Are the countries UK, Netherlands, Denmark, Ireland, Australia, and the US good options for my master's studies considering immigration issues?
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